Brilliant post, I'm English and I love the Vox sound. Come on Brian May, The Beatles ect all used a vox ac15 or ac30! Probably the best amps ever, el34s tweaked are amazing.
I have never loved Voxes for lead playing (even though they can absolutely cut through the mix), but as amps for rhythm, especially any kind of indie/alt rock, they're umatched. So many of the classic alternative sounds (REM, Pixies, U2, the Clash, basically all of the Britpop movement) came from Voxes, it's an iconic sound. And of course older British pop/rock groups like the Beatles and Queen were Vox players.
I have been using VOX amps for 12 years now since a co-worker lent me his AC30 head/cabs when is mother-in-law came to stay for a month. Soon after I returned it, I went out and bought a AC15CC1. I keep it relatively clean and put an old DOD TR3 through it for gain. Love the sound, especially once the tubes warm up.
This is a great direction for you Shane! Always see u w fenders or Marshalls primarily and nice to see u play the AC....you sound amazing through that amp..I play the fender bassbreaker 15 and can get very similar tones w the EL84 power section...12ax7s in the preamp..loud and bright is correct sir!🤘🤪☮️😂🔥🎵
I got my AC15 (with greenbacks) for $500. Best money I've ever spent on an amp. It's loud enough, has enough bass response to fill a room with sound while being bright enough to cut through a mix. Love my AC15, will probably get an AC30 at some point
Hey Shane, have you ever thought about having a DB meter overlayed when doing these kind of amp reviews? It'd be interesting to see how the volume in the room changes as you are adjusting the guitar volumes. As always, an informative and entertaining review!
I've got a professional handheld one, but it's another thing to remember and set up etc. I don't have a wall mounted one but that might be something to look into. Cheers :)
@@intheblues just watched your video on the AC15C1. I have one of these and was wondering if I can add a Boss A/B switch to switch between each of the two channels. If I can do this, do you have any ideas on how I do this?
I've always had a love/hate rel with Vox ACs! They sound GREAT as a clean amp: So clear and sparkly! Get them grunting and it's like boxy, scooped & RATTY sounding type of O/D! The SPEAKER(S) are a big part of this tho. The alnico powered speakers have a very ringy, treble output that CAN get over powering, but THAT is a part of the 'VOX' sound! Putting a more commonly used ceramic powered speaker from Celestion or others, like a V type or a GB, will make it sound somewhat smoother! GREAT used as a CLEAN pedal platform! Cheers!
I have a Vox AC4-12 and an AC30CC2X The Ac4 is a great little plug and play amp, relatively easy to get a good sound out of. I am still trying to work the AC30 out, this video should help.
Assuming you no longer play Vox, I’m curious as to why? I’m considering purchasing one because I love the sound. Love your videos and honesty!! Thank You!
Vox + Les Paul P90s is heaven - the AC15C1 will even do the trick! I imagine it's great with a Tele aswell, for Blues to Rock you mite also want a Hotcake.
I have never even considered using or owning a Vox amp for no particular reason however it always was intrigued. This is a great guide to getting the most out of these amps! I need another amp like I need a hole in my head but I could give Vox a try! Cheers!😎😎🎸🎸🎸🤙🏾
I have a UK made Vox AC15HW60. The closest sound I can get to it on a Solid State amp is a Roland Blues Cube Artist with a New York Blues Tone Capsule.
Hi Shane, great video! I just wanted to share my thoughts on the AC15C1X, I have strived for years to get the Hank Marvin sound and the best I could get was through a Laney VC amp. That was until I got the AC15 with the blue Alnico! It is an awesome amp it totally blew the others away, men vs boys! I play a 50’s Strat through the fantastic Hall & Collins Signature Echo box and I have the sound of The Shadows! That said it was a fiddle to get the right tone, I use the top boost with the master volume high and the tone cut at mid point, but it’s worth playing around with, the tone is loud, clean and bright, nothing like any amp I have used before, it just seems to have effortless power. If you’re thinking a bout it, my advice is go get one, you won’t regret it.
Appreciate the video. I fell in love with Celestion alnico speakers a while back when I did some testing connecting my Fender amp to several cabs with a variety of them. I did not want to spend over 300 bucks on a speaker, but I did on an Alnico Gold. I have an AC 15 that I don’t play often, but I decided to get an Alnico Blue for it. I installed it tonight, but it didn’t blow me away like the Gold. It’s definitely due to needing a little knowledge on dialing in the two channels. I definitely know what I can do to improve it. It still sounded better than the greenback. Thanks again!
Brilliant video, thanks Shane. I have the AC15 C2 and have been experimenting with the sound. Got some new tips from this video that I look forward to trying out tomorrow. Cheers!
I purchased a new Vox AC15C1-VB in September 2020. I have never gotten a sound I like out of it in several years. I have about 20 different electric guitars and still I am unable to enjoy my VoxAC15C1-VB. I understand the "Normal and Top Boost" channel but even using Top Boost The EQ section is weak and the Tone Cut which effects the power tubes is also weak. It's only saving grace is that it has both reverb and a true tube powered tremolo section with a speed and depth control. I prefer a lot of Bass and no matter what the settings on any guitar when using my AC15C1-VB I can not get enough Bass. That is precisely the reason why I don not like my Vox AC15C1-VB-. Now, the Marshall JTM45 has for my ears the built in natural Bass tone and that is why it's my favorite guitar amp. Peter age 73
I am going to start using a separate EQ pedal and this way I shall be able to cut the mids and high as well as strengthen the bass frequencies. Then I shall finally enjoy my Vox AC15C1-VB (VB=Vintage Black). - Peter age 73
Can anyone reply & tell me why people don't talk about or make in depth videos of the AC15C2? (That's the 2x12 version.) There are a million videos on the the standard and HW 15's & 30's but if there are 5 videos on the AC15C2 I'd be surprised. *Great channel In The Blues*
Hi Mike, Those amps are pretty hard to find, much like the AC30S1 with the single speaker. There's probably no advantage to the AC15 with 2x12 over a AC30 with the same configuration would be my guess. If I have a chance to borrow one though I will.
@@intheblues Shane..do you ever see a digital version of the 15 & 30 models coming on line ? much like the Fender Tonemaster...there's been doubts over the future of tube manufacture recently ..too early too tell perhaps
great question. I have had a AC15C2 for a 5 year and really like it. just never hear anything about them. I upgraded my speakers from the greenbacks to alnico blues. I liked the change. I have even mixed green with blue. now that is interesting!
I am in Canada and AC15's are common and well loved, but I have NEVER seen the C2 version. Ever. Never stocked in any of the music shops including our big box music store Long & McQuade. They're just rare as hen's teeth. I actually have a used VOX 212 cab that I found and use with my AC15 C1 on outdoor gigs for increased volume - and it just rocks like no tomorrow with wonderful full sound. Still waiting to see an AC15C2 in real life though.....🙂
Crank the EQ on the vox turn down the tone cut all the way then roll you tone down all the way with a les paul and you will get a really cool responsive fuzz
Awesome playing Shane. Kick ass sound ! Blues On....💙 How does it compare to the VOX : AC30S1 ? (Signal 12) Thanks for all you do for us try to be Blues Guitarist.
Hey Shane I have been thinking about swapping out my green back for a AlNiCo blue for a while. In your opinion do you notice any head room loss with the blue? I have a AC15. 2nt question. Do you personally notice much of a difference in sound? Could I get the same affect with EQ? I played a AC30 with the blues in it and I did like it but that was a 30 and not a 15 and I wasn't able to A/B it. It was in store so I wasn't using any of my gear ya know what I mean? Thanks for any input you could help me with. @ over $250 usd it's not a cheep speaker so I'm trying to get as much info as possible before pulling the trigger. Thank man. 🤙👍
Hey Shane, do you still prefer the Swamp Thang as your main speaker or have you moved on from that? I have a swamp thang that I am thinking about changing out with a celestion blue or gold. I would love to hear your 2 cents.
I used to gig with an AC-15 and AC-30 for a long time. This is a mix of a review and guide on how I set it up for getting good tones. This amp with the Alinico Blue speaker throws a lot of wind for a 15-watt amp. 🔊 🛒 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/x9q9j5 🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/qnGnLy 🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3Iz5P0L 🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/eDMqhXS (affiliate links)
Just buy a Valvetronix amp, an older one, or the new Vox VX50 GTV which I've got: you'll get the AC30 sound plus all sorts of others as well, including a good Marshall amp JCM type of sound. And they're portable.
@@firemarshal2629 lol 25 years plus lugging around heavy stuff. I just find it difficult to comprehend that a 15 watt amp can be so heavy. I would rather go the whole hog and get a AC30s1. Fender and Blackstar have gone the light weight route I suspect that if Marshall have the R&D budget they will go the same way.
Shane I enjoy watching your reviews because they're honest and well done. I once took one of your recommendations on a guitar you demoed and was very pleased with the result. Good job!
Great video Shane, top boost channel and the tremolo sound great. Honestly this makes me wanna go buy a Vox amp but Vox amps are just too bright for me 😀
Thanks for the great demo Shane. Can you gig with the ac15 in small to medium (e.g. 150 people) venues without miking it to a PA and with keeping enough clean headroom on the clean channel? In other words, when should you go for an AC30 (s1) to avoid PA connection? Cheers. Gus
I'd say the AC15, in most cases, is loud enough but gets dirty fairly quick. The AC30S1 is a better route if clean(er) is the goal, imho. I should probably have gotten the S1 - they are Top Boost only, weigh less than a regular AC30 (2x12) and stay fairly clean at higher dB's than the AC15C1 or CX.
Hello Shane. Thanks for posting the tips above. AC15's are super tricky to get sounding their best. They are super reactive, often changing their character depending on pickups, pedals, attack, etc. I'm curious if you (or anyone here) have a preferred tube brand/configuration for this circuit? 3 years of playing it and it still gives me ear fatigue. I'm rolling through JJ's and Sov-tek's right now - some 5751's, 12AX's and even trying a 12AT in V3. Swapping PT's as well. All this to find something that tames the spikey high frequencies just a bit, without using tone-cut as much to roll off the high-end altogether. Some success, but any further tips in this regard would be appreciated. (PS, mine sports the Greenback)
You’re definitely right about pickups. Tonight I installed an Alnico Blue on mine and kept switching from singles to humbuckers to P90s and had to dial everything in dramatically.
@@leadstrat How is the Blue? I finally settled on my config. Involved outting in a Tonkerlite, lol. That trimmed like7 lbs. Forget where the Tungsol 5751 landed but I was swapping everytime I chamhed guitars. I'm using a P90 guitar exclusively with it. Dunno why but that works best for me. Then went and got a Marshall too for my single coils, lol.
Like the AC15 but would it be far to much for just bedroom practice? I have no intention of gigging. Going 2nd hand, would you be worried about an amp that has scratchy pots, and is over 10yr old?
Great sounding amp ...well done shane ..I dont want to sound redundant ,because I know you have said many times about this?...I was going to upgrade a speaker in my peavey studio 112 silver stripe amp ,I went to your channel an found a video of your friend putting a speaker in it ?..an you in the video couldn't say for sure what speaker he put in it?...but you went on to say that it transformed amp an sounded amazing ,full an louder...so what was the speaker he used or what speaker would you recommend...I know you have a web page on speaker swapping for the Bandit ,?
Very good question. I'm having a hard time understanding if there's sort of a master volume on this amp, but I don't think so. The controls are awkward.
Hi, Shane Would you mind answering a question about tube amps. I'm no tech, but anything I'm uncertain about I'm willing to learn.. It has do with hiss and hum. Is it normal to hear this sort of white noise? The higher the volume the louder it gets. There is no noise with volume down. Research on Google suggests tube amps are inheritly not quiet when in use. I know you are the man to ask.
@@intheblues I figured so..This is an old Randall RG50T. I did a retube and speaker change today. This amp was basically DOA. New tubes got me to a sweet place. At any rate, I played it for a while then decided to put everything away. As I carried it along back to the studio I stupidly crashed the back of the amp into a chair. So I plugged it back in to check the tubes. That is when I noticed while messing around there is this aforementioned hiss. So of course I blamed myself, but in all actuality it was probably there to begin with.
How come Vox has scooped mids? Aren't Fenders like that, so Tubescreamers are a perfect match for them? TS's just don't sound good with my Ac15c2, too much oomph, all mids...
I don't think both of them are actually scooped. It's because of fender has extended bass range, while vox on the treble side. That makes them perceived scoop.
Hmm. I have one and don’t find it mid scooped, more like strong in the midrange and lacking a bit in bass, almost boxy sounding. I also happen to have a Marshall DSL40C which is stronger in bass and has a sweeter treble. Whenever I gig I tend towards the Marshall, it’s just so much more versatile and more consistent than the Vox. Also Vox committed the unforgivable sin of making a two channel amp that’s not foot switchable, so I’m forced into using a OD pedal and I find it hard to balance the lead tone with the clean tones. You can’t beat a Marshall for lead tones, that’s where the Vox just doesn’t cut it
There’s this thing you can do where you crank the amp and find your lead tone then back of the volume to have your rhythm tone. It was the standard for decades.
Wait a sec. Why does that clip of the PRS at the end of the jam track look so weird? Did you mime that or something 🤣👌? The strings don't appear to be moving? It just looks off. Or is it just me? 🤷 B/c it totally could be 🤣😁
haha. All the guitar parts are done live in one REAL take. It's the angle of the camera or the frame rate is my guess. Sometimes the strings can look like they are moving far more than they do. :)
My friend said he saw The Jam (one of my fave all-time bands) years ago in NYC around 1979 or whatever it was, and he recalled how shrill Paul's Rickenbacker was, but, maybe it was the Vox amps and not the guitar!
A telecaster bridge pickup into a driven Vox is the tone of Rock N Roll.
P90 are pretty cool too
Brilliant post, I'm English and I love the Vox sound. Come on Brian May, The Beatles ect all used a vox ac15 or ac30! Probably the best amps ever, el34s tweaked are amazing.
El34's tweaked are great! And the el84's in a vox are as well😁
Haha! Even the AC15 (with el84s) are fkn loud amps!!
I have never loved Voxes for lead playing (even though they can absolutely cut through the mix), but as amps for rhythm, especially any kind of indie/alt rock, they're umatched. So many of the classic alternative sounds (REM, Pixies, U2, the Clash, basically all of the Britpop movement) came from Voxes, it's an iconic sound. And of course older British pop/rock groups like the Beatles and Queen were Vox players.
I have been using VOX amps for 12 years now since a co-worker lent me his AC30 head/cabs when is mother-in-law came to stay for a month. Soon after I returned it, I went out and bought a AC15CC1. I keep it relatively clean and put an old DOD TR3 through it for gain. Love the sound, especially once the tubes warm up.
This is a great direction for you Shane! Always see u w fenders or Marshalls primarily and nice to see u play the AC....you sound amazing through that amp..I play the fender bassbreaker 15 and can get very similar tones w the EL84 power section...12ax7s in the preamp..loud and bright is correct sir!🤘🤪☮️😂🔥🎵
I got my AC15 (with greenbacks) for $500. Best money I've ever spent on an amp. It's loud enough, has enough bass response to fill a room with sound while being bright enough to cut through a mix. Love my AC15, will probably get an AC30 at some point
Hey Shane, have you ever thought about having a DB meter overlayed when doing these kind of amp reviews? It'd be interesting to see how the volume in the room changes as you are adjusting the guitar volumes. As always, an informative and entertaining review!
I've got a professional handheld one, but it's another thing to remember and set up etc. I don't have a wall mounted one but that might be something to look into. Cheers :)
@@intheblues its a cool idea and definitely would separate your videos from the rest!
@@intheblues just watched your video on the AC15C1. I have one of these and was wondering if I can add a Boss A/B switch to switch between each of the two channels. If I can do this, do you have any ideas on how I do this?
I've always had a love/hate rel with Vox ACs! They sound GREAT as a clean amp: So clear and sparkly! Get them grunting and it's like boxy, scooped & RATTY sounding type of O/D!
The SPEAKER(S) are a big part of this tho. The alnico powered speakers have a very ringy, treble output that CAN get over powering, but THAT is a part of the 'VOX' sound!
Putting a more commonly used ceramic powered speaker from Celestion or others, like a V type or a GB, will make it sound somewhat smoother!
GREAT used as a CLEAN pedal platform!
Cheers!
This amp totally kills! The distortion sounds amazing, it’s one of the best pedal platforms.
I use a simple VOX AC-4 for many years now
I have a Vox AC4-12 and an AC30CC2X
The Ac4 is a great little plug and play amp, relatively easy to get a good sound out of.
I am still trying to work the AC30 out, this video should help.
Assuming you no longer play Vox, I’m curious as to why? I’m considering purchasing one because I love the sound. Love your videos and honesty!! Thank You!
They are great amps, but they are too heavy. The AC30 was brutal and the AC15 wasn't loud enough for my gigs at the time so I went over Fender amps.
Vox + Les Paul P90s is heaven - the AC15C1 will even do the trick! I imagine it's great with a Tele aswell, for Blues to Rock you mite also want a Hotcake.
Vox is special. I love that Vox crunch at the beginning of Frank Black's "Ten Percenter". "Aww, that's nice." Yes, indeed.
I have never even considered using or owning a Vox amp for no particular reason however it always was intrigued. This is a great guide to getting the most out of these amps! I need another amp like I need a hole in my head but I could give Vox a try! Cheers!😎😎🎸🎸🎸🤙🏾
I have a UK made Vox AC15HW60. The closest sound I can get to it on a Solid State amp is a Roland Blues Cube Artist with a New York Blues Tone Capsule.
that blue speaker , is a big part of the vox sound , and the midrange sits just right in a band mix
Hi Shane, great video! I just wanted to share my thoughts on the AC15C1X, I have strived for years to get the Hank Marvin sound and the best I could get was through a Laney VC amp. That was until I got the AC15 with the blue Alnico! It is an awesome amp it totally blew the others away, men vs boys! I play a 50’s Strat through the fantastic Hall & Collins Signature Echo box and I have the sound of The Shadows!
That said it was a fiddle to get the right tone, I use the top boost with the master volume high and the tone cut at mid point, but it’s worth playing around with, the tone is loud, clean and bright, nothing like any amp I have used before, it just seems to have effortless power. If you’re thinking a bout it, my advice is go get one, you won’t regret it.
Appreciate the video. I fell in love with Celestion alnico speakers a while back when I did some testing connecting my Fender amp to several cabs with a variety of them. I did not want to spend over 300 bucks on a speaker, but I did on an Alnico Gold.
I have an AC 15 that I don’t play often, but I decided to get an Alnico Blue for it. I installed it tonight, but it didn’t blow me away like the Gold. It’s definitely due to needing a little knowledge on dialing in the two channels. I definitely know what I can do to improve it. It still sounded better than the greenback. Thanks again!
Brilliant video, thanks Shane. I have the AC15 C2 and have been experimenting with the sound. Got some new tips from this video that I look forward to trying out tomorrow. Cheers!
4:30 That's the sound that puts a smile on your face.
I purchased a new Vox AC15C1-VB in September 2020. I have never gotten a sound I like out of it in several years. I have about 20 different electric guitars and still I am unable to enjoy my VoxAC15C1-VB. I understand the "Normal and Top Boost" channel but even using Top Boost The EQ section is weak and the Tone Cut which effects the power tubes is also weak. It's only saving grace is that it has both reverb and a true tube powered tremolo section with a speed and depth control. I prefer a lot of Bass and no matter what the settings on any guitar when using my AC15C1-VB I can not get enough Bass. That is precisely the reason why I don not like my Vox AC15C1-VB-. Now, the Marshall JTM45 has for my ears the built in natural Bass tone and that is why it's my favorite guitar amp. Peter age 73
I am going to start using a separate EQ pedal and this way I shall be able to cut the mids and high as well as strengthen the bass frequencies. Then I shall finally enjoy my Vox AC15C1-VB (VB=Vintage Black). - Peter age 73
It worked!
Perfect timing! Been looking into these and I’m sold
Rory Gallagher made me want an ac30 I'm looking for a ac15
It would be ideal if you could do this review with different guitar pickups so people like me understand the tones might be different from others
Hot damn! Shane you sounded like a million bucks. The old school mic'ing was superb.
I have a Marshall and a Fender, so it looks like I might need one of these!!!! Thanks Shane! Great format for the video! Lots of useful information!!!
I've got ac30 vox bull dog c2c2x and vox gt air
Can anyone reply & tell me why people don't talk about or make in depth videos of the AC15C2? (That's the 2x12 version.) There are a million videos on the the standard and HW 15's & 30's but if there are 5 videos on the AC15C2 I'd be surprised. *Great channel In The Blues*
Hi Mike, Those amps are pretty hard to find, much like the AC30S1 with the single speaker. There's probably no advantage to the AC15 with 2x12 over a AC30 with the same configuration would be my guess. If I have a chance to borrow one though I will.
GOOD question! I guess they assume it will be much the SAME as the 1X12, just 'more' of it!
@@intheblues Shane..do you ever see a digital version of the 15 & 30 models coming on line ? much like the Fender Tonemaster...there's been doubts over the future of tube manufacture recently ..too early too tell perhaps
great question. I have had a AC15C2 for a 5 year and really like it. just never hear anything about them. I upgraded my speakers from the greenbacks to alnico blues. I liked the change. I have even mixed green with blue. now that is interesting!
I am in Canada and AC15's are common and well loved, but I have NEVER seen the C2 version. Ever. Never stocked in any of the music shops including our big box music store Long & McQuade. They're just rare as hen's teeth. I actually have a used VOX 212 cab that I found and use with my AC15 C1 on outdoor gigs for increased volume - and it just rocks like no tomorrow with wonderful full sound. Still waiting to see an AC15C2 in real life though.....🙂
Crank the EQ on the vox turn down the tone cut all the way then roll you tone down all the way with a les paul and you will get a really cool responsive fuzz
Tell me what you think
I got my vox to get closer to Rory Gallagher's sound! Hes the best!!!
Love your channel! Cheers mate
Awesome playing Shane. Kick ass sound ! Blues On....💙
How does it compare to the VOX : AC30S1 ? (Signal 12)
Thanks for all you do for us try to be Blues Guitarist.
Hey Shane I have been thinking about swapping out my green back for a AlNiCo blue for a while.
In your opinion do you notice any head room loss with the blue? I have a AC15. 2nt question. Do you personally notice much of a difference in sound? Could I get the same affect with EQ? I played a AC30 with the blues in it and I did like it but that was a 30 and not a 15 and I wasn't able to A/B it. It was in store so I wasn't using any of my gear ya know what I mean?
Thanks for any input you could help me with. @ over $250 usd it's not a cheep speaker so I'm trying to get as much info as possible before pulling the trigger. Thank man. 🤙👍
Hi, it's the Shane In Oz channel! \m/
Hey Shane, do you still prefer the Swamp Thang as your main speaker or have you moved on from that? I have a swamp thang that I am thinking about changing out with a celestion blue or gold. I would love to hear your 2 cents.
Sounds great. I'm happy with my VOx
I used to gig with an AC-15 and AC-30 for a long time. This is a mix of a review and guide on how I set it up for getting good tones. This amp with the Alinico Blue speaker throws a lot of wind for a 15-watt amp. 🔊
🛒 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/x9q9j5
🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/qnGnLy
🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3Iz5P0L
🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/eDMqhXS
(affiliate links)
Awesome Playing Shane great Tone
I loved this Shane, great overview. My issue with the AC15 is the crazy weight. I get why fix what works but times have moved on and Vox have not.
Just buy a Valvetronix amp, an older one, or the new Vox VX50 GTV which I've got: you'll get the AC30 sound plus all sorts of others as well, including a good Marshall
amp JCM type of sound. And they're portable.
Or grow a bigger pair lol. Some men served in Korea and now men complain about the weight of an amp
@@firemarshal2629 lol 25 years plus lugging around heavy stuff. I just find it difficult to comprehend that a 15 watt amp can be so heavy. I would rather go the whole hog and get a AC30s1. Fender and Blackstar have gone the light weight route I suspect that if Marshall have the R&D budget they will go the same way.
Why does no one talk about the reverb on the AC15?
That tele neck pickup tone was very bluesy & sweet.
Shane I enjoy watching your reviews because they're honest and well done. I once took one of your recommendations on a guitar you demoed and was very pleased with the result. Good job!
Great video Shane, top boost channel and the tremolo sound great. Honestly this makes me wanna go buy a Vox amp but Vox amps are just too bright for me 😀
clip the bright cap..
Loved this video mate !!! 😎🎸👍
As a blues/rock guitarist wanting to start my own trio would the Vox AC15 be loud enough to gig with?
Thanks for the great demo Shane. Can you gig with the ac15 in small to medium (e.g. 150 people) venues without miking it to a PA and with keeping enough clean headroom on the clean channel? In other words, when should you go for an AC30 (s1) to avoid PA connection?
Cheers. Gus
I'd say the AC15, in most cases, is loud enough but gets dirty fairly quick. The AC30S1 is a better route if clean(er) is the goal, imho. I should probably have gotten the S1 - they are Top Boost only, weigh less than a regular AC30 (2x12) and stay fairly clean at higher dB's than the AC15C1 or CX.
Hello Shane. Thanks for posting the tips above. AC15's are super tricky to get sounding their best. They are super reactive, often changing their character depending on pickups, pedals, attack, etc.
I'm curious if you (or anyone here) have a preferred tube brand/configuration for this circuit? 3 years of playing it and it still gives me ear fatigue. I'm rolling through JJ's and Sov-tek's right now - some 5751's, 12AX's and even trying a 12AT in V3. Swapping PT's as well. All this to find something that tames the spikey high frequencies just a bit, without using tone-cut as much to roll off the high-end altogether. Some success, but any further tips in this regard would be appreciated.
(PS, mine sports the Greenback)
You’re definitely right about pickups. Tonight I installed an Alnico Blue on mine and kept switching from singles to humbuckers to P90s and had to dial everything in dramatically.
@@leadstrat How is the Blue? I finally settled on my config. Involved outting in a Tonkerlite, lol. That trimmed like7 lbs. Forget where the Tungsol 5751 landed but I was swapping everytime I chamhed guitars. I'm using a P90 guitar exclusively with it. Dunno why but that works best for me. Then went and got a Marshall too for my single coils, lol.
Like the AC15 but would it be far to much for just bedroom practice? I have no intention of gigging. Going 2nd hand, would you be worried about an amp that has scratchy pots, and is over 10yr old?
Sounds good, but its not mean like you can make a Fender or Marshall
What distortion pedal you’ve been using along with ac15 for ‘this presentation?
Hi Shane, how would you compare this AC15 to the AC 10 you demo’s? Thanks!
Have you tried the new Tone King Neural Plug in?
Great sounding amp ...well done shane ..I dont want to sound redundant ,because I know you have said many times about this?...I was going to upgrade a speaker in my peavey studio 112 silver stripe amp ,I went to your channel an found a video of your friend putting a speaker in it ?..an you in the video couldn't say for sure what speaker he put in it?...but you went on to say that it transformed amp an sounded amazing ,full an louder...so what was the speaker he used or what speaker would you recommend...I know you have a web page on speaker swapping for the Bandit ,?
I reccomend a Texas Heat - guitarspeakerguide.com/best-speakers-peavey-bandit-112/
Is it too loud for home use? Or can the master volume bring it down to bedroom level with the gain cranked a bit?
Very good question. I'm having a hard time understanding if there's sort of a master volume on this amp, but I don't think so. The controls are awkward.
If I can ever stop buying guitars and get another amp,it's going to be this for sure.
A Dallas treble booster/ clone will push it into Brian May territory
garate demo shane 👍🏼
Hi, Shane
Would you mind answering a question about tube amps. I'm no tech, but anything I'm uncertain about I'm willing to learn.. It has do with hiss and hum. Is it normal to hear this sort of white noise? The higher the volume the louder it gets. There is no noise with volume down. Research on Google suggests tube amps are inheritly not quiet when in use. I know you are the man to ask.
Yep. As the volume goes up so does the noise floor as the output section is working a lot harder
@@intheblues I figured so..This is an old Randall RG50T. I did a retube and speaker change today. This amp was basically DOA. New tubes got me to a sweet place. At any rate, I played it for a while then decided to put everything away. As I carried it along back to the studio I stupidly crashed the back of the amp into a chair. So I plugged it back in to check the tubes. That is when I noticed while messing around there is this aforementioned hiss. So of course I blamed myself, but in all actuality it was probably there to begin with.
How come Vox has scooped mids? Aren't Fenders like that, so Tubescreamers are a perfect match for them? TS's just don't sound good with my Ac15c2, too much oomph, all mids...
I don't think both of them are actually scooped.
It's because of fender has extended bass range, while vox on the treble side.
That makes them perceived scoop.
Hmm. I have one and don’t find it mid scooped, more like strong in the midrange and lacking a bit in bass, almost boxy sounding. I also happen to have a Marshall DSL40C which is stronger in bass and has a sweeter treble. Whenever I gig I tend towards the Marshall, it’s just so much more versatile and more consistent than the Vox. Also Vox committed the unforgivable sin of making a two channel amp that’s not foot switchable, so I’m forced into using a OD pedal and I find it hard to balance the lead tone with the clean tones. You can’t beat a Marshall for lead tones, that’s where the Vox just doesn’t cut it
There’s this thing you can do where you crank the amp and find your lead tone then back of the volume to have your rhythm tone. It was the standard for decades.
ABY Switch.
Play either channel, or both together, with a Foot Switch. 🤦🏻♂️
Hey Shane. Can a Alnico Blue be used on a Fender Blues Junior 4?
Weber (l blv) make a gd alnico spkr for B Jr's...champs etc.
Be a bit cheaper than the Celestion too.
Wait a sec. Why does that clip of the PRS at the end of the jam track look so weird? Did you mime that or something 🤣👌? The strings don't appear to be moving? It just looks off.
Or is it just me? 🤷 B/c it totally could be 🤣😁
haha. All the guitar parts are done live in one REAL take. It's the angle of the camera or the frame rate is my guess. Sometimes the strings can look like they are moving far more than they do. :)
Who else wants Shane and Dr. Ric to demo the new Boss Space Echo?
Snip the Bright Cap...first thing.
👍🏻👍🏻
I've always shied away from Vox amps. Too shrill for my liking.
I concurr!
My friend said he saw The Jam (one of my fave all-time bands) years ago in NYC around 1979 or whatever it was, and he recalled how shrill Paul's Rickenbacker was,
but, maybe it was the Vox amps and not the guitar!
@@thiscorrosion900 Worked FOR The Beatles!